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LP-A Girls Basketball Preview: Raiders to be senior laden

Lake Park-Audubon’s Lindsey Olson (14) takes a shot during a home game last season. DL NEWSPAPERS/Brian Basham

There will not be any wide eyes due to playing on the varsity level for the Lake Park-Audubon girls’ basketball team, after they return four of their top five scorers from a year ago.

The Raiders also boast six seniors on the roster with good experience, with five being starters in forwards Bailee Bartunek, Breann Hogie, guards Lindsey Olson, Jennifer Hamre and Sarah Swenson.

“We go about seven or eight deep, so we do have good depth, as well,” said first-year head coach Brad Dunham. “We will be concentrating on defense, because it’s such a strong unit, along with rebounding.

“We hope our defense can create some offense.”

Rebounding will be a strength with the return of Bailee Bartunek, who was one of the state’s leading rebounders in 2012-13.

Bartunek will play a high-low position on offense, with the guards feeding her the ball on the post, but also having the ability to dribble outside and drain the 15-footer.

“We won’t have to just rely on Bailee for offense, though, because we will be able to utilize everyone,” Dunham said.

The backcourt will be strong with Hamre, Swenson and Olson, all who can shoot the perimeter shot well, thus keeping defenses honest and spread out.

Junior Megan Hilfer will also be a backcourt contributor, as will junior Jess Swegarden, who will return after the holiday break from an injury.

Freshman post Madelynn Thompson will be Bartunek’s replacement when the senior needs a breather.

Senior Breann Hogie will also be counted on in the frontcourt, while other contributors will include sophomore Carli Raaen, junior Kayla Olson, senior Hailey Morrow and junior Laina Nelson.

With the good experience back, Dunham wants the girls to focus on the one game at a time approach.

“We just need to make sure we do the small things right,” Dunham said. “We are a veteran team, but they are a very coachable group.”